Sports Then and Now

Coed Y Brenin is a breathtaking and challenging mountain bike venue.

Nothing beats the feeling of freedom that you get from riding at full speed through a challenging mountain bike trail. Even the aching limbs, the bruises and scrapes you might incur as a result of falling after taking a track a bit too heavy make it all worthwhile. But when it comes to getting on your bike and going, the choice of trails available in the UK is vast and exciting – these are the Bikefusion top 3 which are just begging to be explored and enjoyed.

Coed y Brenin – North Wales
When it comes to perfect trails, stunning scenery and a spectacular, purpose-built state of the art eco visitor centre there’s only one place that can offer it all at its best – Coed y Brenin. Set in the beautiful Snowdonia Nation Park with fantastic view of the mountain and Cadair Idris, Coed y Brenin is not just a visual treat, so don’t let its gorgeous views fool you. Under the canopy of trees is a warren of all-weather singletrack that’ll test even the most experienced rider to their limits. The first forest developed for Mountain Biking, Coed y Brenin knows exactly what to throw at you, and with its network of downhill trails including the incredible False Teeth technical challenge you won’t be short of adrenaline rushes. It’s no surprise why Coed y Brenin is regarded as one of the best UK MTB Trail locations, if not one of the world’s best too.

Dalby Forest – Yorkshire
Nestled on the slopes of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest is a playground for two wheeled adventurers looking for terrain of all types. The forest is family friendly and allows for riders of all levels and abilities to enjoy a day out on the bike from an easy 8-mile blue route to the 4-mile severe World Cup Cycle Trail for experienced riders wanting a tough yet rewarding challenge. Dalby also has its own visitor center with toilet facilities and a restaurant so you can enjoy the whole day here without inconvenience. For true Mountain Bike fans, Dalby hosts a huge collection of challenging obstacles that can’t be avoided. If you want steep climbs and descents which require experienced handling and high fitness levels, and a choice of different routes for the kids too, then Dalby is the place to be.

The Grizedale Forest has biking trails that challenge all levels of bikers.

Grizedale Forest – Cumbria
If The Lake District wasn’t impressive enough already for its spectacular views and perfect adventuring opportunities, then Grizedale really is the icing on the cake. The largest forest in the Lakes, Grizedale has got just about everything you want from MTB trails. Its free from traffic and congestion, really hilly in parts and its challenging mix of forest tracks, single tracks and coarse bridleways will have you in the car with the bike on its rack and on your way there in seconds. Once you’re there the North Face Mountain Biking Trail is a must – this 10 mile circuit will put you through your paces and leave your legs burning as you pass through spectacular views and 9 sections of testing terrain at its best.